Dear fellow citizens,
Italy is going through a very demanding time. As it is dutiful, it is facing it with full transparency and complete information to the public.
The risks connected with this new virus, that is gradually affecting many countries in the world, generate concern. It is understandable. We all have to show a sense of responsibility and avoid unmotivated and counterproductive anxiety.
We are a great and modern Country. We have an excellent national health system that is operating with efficiency thanks to the generous abnegation of its staff, at all professional levels.
We will overcome the current situation through the adoption of necessary extraordinary measures that support the efforts of the healthcare personnel, which have been working constantly for days and days. The measures are intended to enroll more personnel and to ensure the actual availability of materials and medical equipment in every hospital.
The Government – entrusted by the Constitution with the authority and the power to take decisions – established yesterday a set of recommended rules of daily behaviour as suggested by renowned scientists and experts. Simple but important rules to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.
I invite everyone to follow these guidelines, even if they temporarily affect our way of life. By respecting these rules of behaviour each of us will contribute to overcoming the emergency. This is what our fellow citizens who live inside the so-called “red zones” are doing. I would like to thank them for the way in which they are coping with the sacrifices they face at the moment.
I personally empathise with to those who are sick. I would also like to express solidarity to the families of those who have died.
In the effort to defeat the virus, we are going through a time that requires involvement, sharing, harmony and a common sense of purpose in our institutions, in politics, in our society and among the media.
The Coordination Unit created by the Government has the task of adopting the necessary and unequivocal decisions in collaboration with the Regions, taking into account the different competences and responsibilities. Therefore, initiatives that deviate from the instructions of the Coordination Unit must be avoided.
Dear fellow citizens, with prudence and without spreading needless alarm we can and we must have confidence in the skills and the resources at our disposal. We can and we must trust in Italy.